On the evening of February 4th, a festive atmosphere with glowing bright lights, lanterns and joyful guests converged at Fort Ilocandia Hotel in Laoag with the celebration of the 2023 Spring Festival hosted by the Chinese Consulate in Laoag.

This year’s reception was led by Consul & Head of Post Ren Faqiang, together with Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba, and Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon. Nearly 350 people from various political, business and enterprises, Filipino-Chinese communities and academic circles from the 15 provinces in Northern Luzon attended the event.

In his welcome speech, Consul Ren congratulated everyone on welcoming the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit. He then thanked the people of North Luzon for their support to the work of the Consulate and the cause of China-Philippines friendship.

As he recalled the situation of the Chinese people in the past years, he emphasized that they have overcome difficulties, moved forward, and achieved steady economic and social development.  

He also pointed out that the Communist Party of China has successfully held the 20th National Congress and elected a new central leadership group with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, drawing a blueprint for China's future development, and with its stable development, it will become a great advantage to the world.

In relation to this, Consul Ren assured that the Consulate will continue to work together with different local government units and people from all walks of life within the consular district to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during President Marcos' visit to China.

He also guaranteed that the Consulate will continue to promote friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields between China and the 15 provinces of North Luzon.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Governor Manotoc, Cagayan Governor Mamba, and Laoag City Mayor Keon delivered warm messages expressing their Chinese New Year greetings. 

They also wished that the friendship between China and the Philippines will continue to pass down from generation to generation, and affirmed their commitment to continue to jointly promote exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, energy, cultural and other fields.

Filipino-Chinese community leaders Mrs. Mary Ang and Mr. Fernando Tiong likewise extended their wish for prosperity for their ancestral country and wished for a more progressive new development of China-Philippines relations in the new year.

During the event, the Consulate also presented the 2022 Consular Protection Volunteer Contribution Award.

The event ended with different cultural performances and the guests enjoyed a double celebration as the day of the reception coincided not only with the beginning of spring in the Chinese Lunar calendar, but also the Lantern Festival on the following day.